Best translation of 120 Days of Sodom?

[the dude]

I've been wanting to read Sade's masterpiece, but I don't know which translation is the most accurate portrayal of his prose.

[JBI]

If you haven't read it, how do you know it is a masterpiece? Either way, I don't think any translation will be particularly bad - Sade wasn't known for his development of language style after all, and anyone who translates that work won't bother "toning down" the language at any rate anyway.

[the dude]

Well ok ... what is purported to be a masterpiece by some of those with whom I've spoken. Better?

[ThousandthIsle]

I have never read it either - sometimes if you look at reviews on Amazon.com, people will comment on the particular translation. This may require sifting through all the reviews for each listing they have for 120 Days of Sodom... but it could pay off.